The black tendrils seeped into Emperor Augustus's corpse like ink bleeding through parchment, merging with his very essence. His cold, lifeless body spasmed once—and then again—before his shut eyes snapped open with a burst of unnatural clarity.
He gasped, like a man drowning who'd just breached the surface.
"Welcome back," Rebecca said softly, her voice velvet and dark, a wicked smile curling on her lips.
Emperor Augustus slowly rose from the cold floor, blinking as he processed the impossible. His limbs obeyed. His breath returned. He was… alive.
"Our goddess brought you back to life. You'd best pay her the respect she deserves," Number Twenty said, stepping forward with a smirk, admiration shining in his eyes.
"Yay! A new member!" Number Five cheered, practically bouncing. "It's time, guys! A battle to determine our newest member's mask number!"
